Hal Kemp and Gov. Beshear who came bearing $$

(Murray, KY - October 2, 2012) - Unlike the beer and barbecue politicking of Graves County Democrats, the solid party faithful of FDR in Calloway always mount sophisticated fundraisers around foods that include cheesecake. They can’t help themselves. Ever since “THE” college was secured against Clinton back in 1915, Murray has had a love affair with being above the rough and tumble ways of basic West Kentucky manners.

It was the second major fundraising to take place on October 1, 2012, in my part of the world.

The crowd of 154 people was rather quiet, excited and eager to be at The Murray State University Alumni Center. The Governor had just arrived. All eyes were on his progress through the room as he greeted old friends and new donors alike.

However, this night was for Hal Kemp. The Governor warmed up the faithful with his remarks about how the Party needs leaders like Hal Kemp, the Democratic candidate for the 5th District House seat. Beshear spoke of the need for allies in the House of Representatives to help pass a good budget and to take care of West Kentucky.

 “When I come here, I feel like I am coming home to God’s country.” The Governor, having been born in Dawson Springs Kentucky, always reminds people of his west Kentucky roots.
 
Holding his hands high and pausing for dramatic effect, Governor Beshear roared to the onlookers, “…and I brought money. We (the Democratic Party) will give to Hal Kemp $10,000 dollars for his campaign.”

The room went wild.

Because of the size of the crowd, space up front near where the Governor and Hal were standing was also very close to the table of various bite sized cheesecake offerings. As the Governor’s words hit home, many hands reached out at the same time to grab cheesecakes of chocolate and classic New York style, and many laced with exotic toppings. All were consumed in a cloud of excitement as the party started for the Democrats.   

Hal made his way to the front of the cheesecake table, standing next to the governor. That night Hal gave the best stump speech uttered in recent political history in West Kentucky.

Public speaking for any candidate is often hard work.

But on this night, Hal Kemp spoke from the heart. He talked of why he was in this race. He mentioned how it was not right for part time public workers to receive special fulltime pensions and expense accounts. He said that he would not take this money when he gets to Frankfort.

He would be a man of the people, not a man for special interests groups. If elected, he vowed to fight for the best future possible for Murray State University. He wants to encourage the job opportunities of the 21st century to locate in his district. Education, technology, and medical will be major areas for his attention and work.

For this event and for those gathering of university professors, business owners, retired executives  and special VIPs’ of Murray culture, cheesecakes hit the spot for light dining out with the political stars.